When a company suspects fraudulent activity, financial misconduct, or other violations within the organization, an internal business investigation is often conducted. Any evidence uncovered during the investigation could be shared with law enforcement and lead to state or federal criminal charges.
If you have been accused of or are facing fraud-related criminal charges, contacting a white collar criminal defense attorney in Tampa at The Rickman Law Firm as soon as possible is vital to protecting your rights and future.
How Can an Internal Business Investigation Lead to Criminal Charges?
During an internal business investigation, the company will typically want to look at whether fraudulent activity, financial misconduct, or other violations have occurred within the organization. This includes reviewing financial records, emails, company documents, and employee interviews to assess whether or not company policies or laws were violated.
In some cases, investigators find evidence of alleged white-collar crimes such as health care fraud, mortgage fraud, corporate fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, or falsifying financial records. If these findings suggest criminal activity, the company can report the matter to state or federal authorities, who could then start their own criminal investigation.
What Should You Do If You Are the Subject of an Internal Investigation?
If you learn that you are the subject of an internal business investigation, taking the situation seriously as well as seeking legal guidance as soon as possible is crucial. It is also important to avoid discussing the investigation with coworkers or anyone else until you have spoken with your attorney.
Because internal investigations sometimes result in a state or federal criminal investigation, an experienced white collar criminal defense attorney in Tampa can help you better understand your legal options and begin developing a defense strategy to protect your rights and future.
An internal business investigation can become extremely serious if it results in criminal charges. A fraud defense lawyer in Tampa at The Rickman Law Firm can evaluate your case, discover potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and build a defense designed to protect your rights and future.
For a complimentary case consultation with a fraud defense lawyer in Tampa, call The Rickman Law Firm or fill out a consultation form today.